Disposable pet excreta container

ABSTRACT

This invention is a disposable pet excreta container of bag-like or box-like construction. Portions of one side of the container are extended to provide ears engaged by the feet of the user to hold the container in position on the ground. A flexible cord engages the opposite side of the container and upon upward force, holds the container open. A disposable member is provided for directing the excreta into the container.

United States Patent [1 1 Prescott DISPOSABLE PET EXCRETA CONTAINER [76]Inventor: Beatrice M. Prescott, PO. Box 182, Burke, Va. 22015 [22]Filed: May 9, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 251,679

[52] U.S. Cl 229/53, 15/104.8, 15/257.5, 7 119/1, 150/5, 229/62, 229/66,294/1 R [51] Int. Cl. ..B65d 31/10, B65d 33/06,

B65d 33/16, B65d 33/30 [58] Field of Search 119/1; 15/257.1, 257.2,

15/257.3, 257.4, 257.5, 257.6, 257.7, 257.8, 257.9; 294/1 R; 229/53, 54C, 66, DIG. 3, 62, 65; ISO/1.7, 1.8, 5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 440,618 11/1890 Byers15/257.4 1,601,566 9/1926 Elliott 229/54 C 1,692,777 11/1928 Jewell229/DIG. 3

[451 Aug. 20, 1974 2,749,695 6/1956 Hoopingarner 119/1 X 3,189,2536/1965 Mojonnier 229/66 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 2,005,025 3/1969France 150/5 Primary Examiner-William 1. Price Assistant ExaminerStephenP. Garbe Attorney, Agent, or FirmShlesinge'r, Arkwright, Garvey &Dinsmore [5 7] ABSTRACT This invention is a disposable pet excretacontainer of bag-like or box-like construction. Portions of one side ofthe container are extended to provide ears engaged by the feet of theuser to hold the container in position on the ground. A flexible cordengages the opposite side of the container and upon upward force, holdsthe container open. A disposable member is provided for directing theexcreta into the container.

5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENIEMHEZOW 3.830.423

saw 105 2 DISPOSABLE PET EXCRETA CONTAINER BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS Inhighly populated urban areas, there is much ecological concern caused bythe large number of pets which leave excreta along the sidewalks and inthe parks, resulting in a sanitation problem. As a result, many citieshave adopted ordinances to alleviate this problem, but up to the presenttime these ordinances have served only as a partial solution.

It is an object of this invention to provide an economical disposablecontainer for efficiently and effectively collecting pet excreta, thecontainer having means for facilitating carrying thereof both before andafter collection.

Another object is to provide a disposable container open at one endwhich is of bag-like or box-like construction, the bag or box havingextensions adjacent the open end thereof for engagement by the feet ofthe user for positioning the box or bag on the ground while beingfilled, flexible means being engageable with the opposite side of thebag or box for holding the same open upon upward force being exertedthereon, and a disposable paddle for directing the excreta into thecontainer.

A still further object is to provide a container'ofthe characterdescribed wherein the bag or box may be sealed after collection of theexcreta for disposal.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description of thepresently preferred form of this invention, taken in connection with theappended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofthe preferred form of the present invention, illustrating the usethereof;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the same;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the same, looking at the open endthereof and showing the container in open position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the present invention, showing thesame in open position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the latterin a flat condition;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view in a modified form of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another modified form of thepresent invention, showing the same in closed position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the container in partiallyopen position;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the container in fully openposition; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the paddle for use in connection withthe container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FORM OF INVENTION IN FIGS. 1 TO 5 In FIGS. 1 to 5there is illustrated the presently preferred form of the invention whichincludes a bag 10 of generally conventional construction which ispreferably made of a plastic or moisture proof, deodoranttreated paper.Bag 10 includes an upper side 12 and a lower side 14 which are connectedby panels 16 and 18. As shown to advantage in FIG. 4, panels 16 and 18are of triangular shape or expandable form so that upper side 12 andlower side 14 are joined at one end to close the bag, the sides beingspaced apart at the other end to provide an opening 20.

It is a salient feature of the present invention to provide a pair ofsemi-rigid elongated straps or the like 22 and 24, preferably of plasticor metallic construction, which extend transversely of bag 10 adjacentthe open end thereof, straps 22 being secured to upper side 12 and strap24 to the lower side 14. Straps 22 and 24 extend beyond the lateralextremities of the bag to provide extensions or ears, the extensions ofmember 22 being indicated at 26, and the extensions of member 24 beingindicated at 28.

A- flexible member is indicated at 30, the ends of which are securedinany suitable manner at 32 and 34 to upper strap member 22 near thelateral extremities ofthe bag.

In connection with bag 10 there is further provided a disposable paddle36 having a handle portion 38 and an enlarged base portion 40.

OPERATION Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that in the use ofthe device of the present invention, ears 26 of strap member 22 arefirst bent upwardly so that they will not interfere with the user duringthe filling of the container. The bag is then laid on the ground in themanner illustrated in FIG. 1 with the feet of the user straddling thebag and resting on ears 28 of strap member 24 adjacent the side edges ofthe bag. This retains the bag firmlyin position on the ground for use.

Since by its very nature the flexible bag is normally in the collapsedposition shown in FIG. 5, it is opened by exerting an upward force onflexible member 30 so that the bag assumes the position shown toadvantage in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. In this position, the excreta indicatedat 42 may be readily and easily directed through opening 20 into the bag10 by manipulation of paddle 36 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1. Thepaddle may then also be placed in the bag.

Next the bag may then be picked up off the ground 1 and the bag rolleddownwardly from the top or open end thereof to close the open end, afterwhich extensions on ears 26 and 28 may be bent inwardly in interengagingrelationship over the bag to seal the open end thereof. If desired, oneof the ears 26 or 28 may be left in the extended position for carrying,or the sealed bag may be carried by flexible member 30.

In this way, the excreta may be removed from the ground and the bagdisposed of without in any way soiling the user and in a minimum amountof time.

DESCRIPTION OF FORM OF INVENTION OF FIG.

In FIG. 6 there is illustrated a modified form of the present inventionincluding a flexible bag 44 of plastic or moisture proof paper, the bagincluding sides 46 and 48. The sides are secured together along threeedges leaving an opening 50 into which the pet excreta may be directed.

In accordance with this form of the present invention, a singleelongated strap 52 of flexible plastic or metallic material is centrallysecured to side 48 near opening 50, the strap extending transverselythereof and extending beyond the lateral extremities of the bag. Just asin the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, those portionsextending beyond the bag are adapted to receive the feet of the user inthe manner illustrated in FIG. 1.

A flexible member is designated 54 which may be a string or the like andis secured to side 46 of bag 44 as indicated at 56. If desired, theflexible member may be secured to side 46 at two points as in the formof invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

It will be apparent from consideration of FIG. 6 that the operation anduse of the container illustrated therein is substantially the same asset out in the form of invention illustrated in FIGS. '1 to 6. In thisform of the invention however, a more economical container is providedwhile at the same time retaining those features which are important incarrying out the objects of the invention, as set forth in the preferredform thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF FORM OF INVENTION ILLUSTRATED IN FIGS. 7 TO 10 In FIGS. 7to 10, there is illustrated a modified form of the present inventionwherein the container designated 58 is of substantially box-likeconstruction, the container including sides 60, 62, 64 and 66, a rearpanel being indicated at 68. Container 58 is preferably constructed of amoisture-proof cardboard material. In accordance with this form of theinvention, one end of the container is open as indicated at 70 throughwhich the pet excreta is directed into the container.

The container further includes abbreviated side flaps 72 and 74extending from sides 60 and 66 partially across opening 70 and an endpanel 76 which is in hinged engagement with side 62 as illustrated inFIG. 9. A terminal angular flap is designated 78. A flexible member 80is centrally secured to the outer surface of end panel 76 as indicatedat 82.

In accordance with this form of the invention, side 64 is extendedbeyond the limits of the container as indicated at 84, a fold line 86being located between the side and extension. An elongated rectangularmember 88 is secured to extension 84 transversely of the end portionthereof, thereby providing ears 90 extending laterally beyond extension84 on both sides thereof. If desired, extensions 84 and member 88 may beintegrally formed. In association with container 58 there is provided apaddle 92 including a handle portion 94 and an enlarged base portion 96for directing excreta into the container.

The container illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10 is preferably formed from agenerally rectangular blank, the use of a blank facilitating storage andshipping. When desired, the container may be readily set up for use in amanner well known in the art.

OPERATION In use of the container illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10, thecontainer is set up for use by lifting panel 76 by upward movement offlexible member 80 (See FIG. 8), and then lowering extension 84 to theposition shown in FIG. 9. The feet are placed on ears 90 to hold thecontainer in place and the pet excreta is directed into the container bymeans of paddle 92 in the manner previously described in connection withthe form of invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

The container is then rescaled by folding ears 90 inwardly over member88 and then raising extension 84 to the position shown in FIG. 8. Panel76 is then closed over extension 84 with end flap 78 engaged with theouter face of side 64. Flexible member 80 may then be wrapped around thecontainer in engagement with the outer faces of sides 62, 68 and 64, andend panel 76, following which it may be tied. This positively preventsaccidental opening of the container and also affords a handycarryingmeans therefor.

The present invention affords simple, economic means for collecting petexcreta easily and effectively without soiling the person or theindividual using the container, the container being disposable toobviate the need of cleaning the same after use.

While there has been herein described the presently preferred forms ofthis invention, it is to be understood that various changes may be madetherein within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A disposable pet excreta container including:

a. a receptacle of baglike construction open at one end and comprisinglike, opposed, upper and lower side members of flexible material andpolygonal conformation,

b. gusset means interposed between opposed lateral edges of said upperand lower side members to permit opening of the baglike receptacle,

c. an elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to and coextensivewith the free edge of said lower side member,

(I. said elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of thelower side member to provide extensions for engagement by the feet ofthe user when the receptacle is placed on the ground, and

e. a flexible member connected to said upper side member adjacent thereceptacle opening whereby, when the receptacle is positioned with thelower side in engagement with the ground and held in place by engagementof the feet on the elongated strap extensions, and an upward force isexerted on said flexible member, the receptacle is opened to admitexcreta which is directed into the container,

f. said upper and lower side members being adapted to be rolled downfrom the open end to form folds and said strap extensions being adaptedto be bent inwardly over the folds of the receptacle to seal the latter.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein:

a. said gusset means comprise trianuglar shaped panels connecting thelateral edges of said upper and lower side members, whereby said sidesare joined at the closed end and spaced apart at the open end of thereceptacle.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein:

a. said flexible member is secured to said upper side memberintermediate the lateral edges thereof and adjacent the receptacleopening.

4. A disposable pet excreta container including:

a. a receptacle of baglike construction open at one end and comprisinglike, opposed upper and lower side members of flexible material andpolygonal conformation,

b. gusset means interposed between opposed lateral edges of said upperand lower side members to permit opening of the baglike receptacle,

c a first elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to, andextending along, the free edge of said lower side member,

d. said first elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of thelower side member to provide first extensions for engagement by the feetof the user, when the receptacle is placed on the ground,

e. a second elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to, andextending along the free edge of, said upper side member,

f. said second elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits ofthe upper side member to provide second extensions, and

g. a flexible member,

h. the ends of said flexible member being secured to said secondelongated strap near the lateral extremities of the receptacle whereby,when the receptacle is positioned with the lower side in engagement withthe ground and held in place by engagement of the feet on said firstextensions of said first elongated strap, and an upward force is exertedon said flexible member, the receptacle is opened to admit excreta whichis directed into the container,

. said upper and lower side members being adapted to be rolled down fromthe open end of the receptacle to form folds, and said first and secondextensions being adapted to be bent inwardly over the folds of thereceptacle to seal the latter.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein:

a. said gusset means comprise triangular shaped panels connecting thelateral edges of said upper and lower side members, whereby said sidesare joined at the closed end and spaced apart at the open end of thereceptacle.

1. A disposable pet excreta container including: a. a receptacle ofbaglike construction open at one end and comprising like, opposed, upperand lower side members of flexible material and polygonal conformation,b. gusset means interposed between opposed lateral edges of said upperand lower side members to permit opening of the baglike receptacle, c.an elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to and coextensivewith the free edge of said lower side member, d. said elongated strapextending beyond the lateral limits of the lower side member to provideextenSions for engagement by the feet of the user when the receptacle isplaced on the ground, and e. a flexible member connected to said upperside member adjacent the receptacle opening whereby, when the receptacleis positioned with the lower side in engagement with the ground and heldin place by engagement of the feet on the elongated strap extensions,and an upward force is exerted on said flexible member, the receptacleis opened to admit excreta which is directed into the container, f. saidupper and lower side members being adapted to be rolled down from theopen end to form folds and said strap extensions being adapted to bebent inwardly over the folds of the receptacle to seal the latter. 2.The container of claim 1, wherein: a. said gusset means comprisetrianuglar shaped panels connecting the lateral edges of said upper andlower side members, whereby said sides are joined at the closed end andspaced apart at the open end of the receptacle.
 3. The container ofclaim 1, wherein: a. said flexible member is secured to said upper sidemember intermediate the lateral edges thereof and adjacent thereceptacle opening.
 4. A disposable pet excreta container including: a.a receptacle of baglike construction open at one end and comprisinglike, opposed upper and lower side members of flexible material andpolygonal conformation, b. gusset means interposed between opposedlateral edges of said upper and lower side members to permit opening ofthe baglike receptacle, c. a first elongated strap of semi-rigidmaterial secured to, and extending along, the free edge of said lowerside member, d. said first elongated strap extending beyond the laterallimits of the lower side member to provide first extensions forengagement by the feet of the user, when the receptacle is placed on theground, e. a second elongated strap of semi-rigid material secured to,and extending along the free edge of, said upper side member, f. saidsecond elongated strap extending beyond the lateral limits of the upperside member to provide second extensions, and g. a flexible member, h.the ends of said flexible member being secured to said second elongatedstrap near the lateral extremities of the receptacle whereby, when thereceptacle is positioned with the lower side in engagement with theground and held in place by engagement of the feet on said firstextensions of said first elongated strap, and an upward force is exertedon said flexible member, the receptacle is opened to admit excreta whichis directed into the container, i. said upper and lower side membersbeing adapted to be rolled down from the open end of the receptacle toform folds, and said first and second extensions being adapted to bebent inwardly over the folds of the receptacle to seal the latter. 5.The container of claim 4, wherein: a. said gusset means comprisetriangular shaped panels connecting the lateral edges of said upper andlower side members, whereby said sides are joined at the closed end andspaced apart at the open end of the receptacle.